Malum, 22- At a bookstore, 1- “How is this the first time I’m hearing about this?”
Setting 22-At a bookstore
Dialogue 1-How is this the first time I’m hearing about this?”
Build Your Own Prompt
Michael begrudgingly followed his boyfriend into the bookshop, having originally planned on staying in the car. Calum however, told him it may take a bit, among a few other bribes, and so here he was, staring at the rows of shelves as the bell tinkled over his head.
Calum was a few feet ahead of him, already turning down an aisle while Michael took a deep breath, taking in the scent of new and old books as he slowly began wandering. He looked around as he perused, smiling at the cute little hand painted signs hanging above some sections, denoting what genre of books were in that particular section of shelves.
He turned into one section of shelves, looking around until he noticed a title written by an author whose series he remembered enjoying when he was in middle school. The worn copy had been published in the time since Michael had originally followed this author, but reading the familiar names on the back cover had him picking up the next three books in this series.
He went ahead and purchased the books for himself, beginning to search for Calum when he picked up the scent of fresh baked goods. His stomach gurgled and he found signs that led him to where the smell was coming from. Perfectly built into the shared wall between the bakery and the bookshop was a counter, so that patrons of the bookstore who wanted to hang around could have a snack and read.
Michael smiled, walking up to the counter and ordering a chocolate chip muffin and an iced chai soy latte. With his goodies and books in tow, he settled into a well worn chair, sitting criss-cross applesauce as he picked at the muffin and opened the first book.
He’d plowed through five chapters when he heard a familiar voice softly calling his name. He blinked slowly as he looked up from the book and laid eyes on Calum. His boyfriend wore a triumphant smile on his face as he stopped in front of Michael, carrying his own paper bag of books. “I was wondering where you got to.” Calum teased, leaning down and pecking Michael’s cheek. “Told you this bookstore was a favorite of mine.” he added as he set his iced coffee on the table next to Michael’s tea and settled into the other chair.
Michael hummed, sticking his receipt from the bakery between the pages. “How is this the first time I’m hearing about this?” Calum raised his arm as if he was about to repeat his previous statement. “No, like, that there’s food here? That’s all you would’ve had to tell me and I’d join you every time you came here,” he added before Calum could open his mouth.
“That’s the point,” Calum hummed after taking a long sip of coffee. “Gotta have some places that I can go on my own sometimes.”
Michael hummed, nodding slowly, taking a moment to respond. “Well, let me know next time you want to come here not alone. Even though you were basically alone today.”
Calum chuckled, nodding. “I will...so are you ready to go?”
“I mean, we can stay, let you finish your coffee....”
“Really?” He said, shock written over his face, “Thought you’d be eager to collect on your little reward.”
Michael coughed, shifting in his seat. He opened the book again, flicking through the pages, “Upon reconsideration...we can go as soon as I finish this chapter.”
Calum smiled, reaching over and patting Michael’s thigh, letting his hand rest there for a beat. “Alright kitten,” he purred softly to his boyfriend, “finish that chapter.”
